Epididymitis is a disease that manifests itself in the form of an inflammatory process that occurs in the epididymis of the male testicle, namely in the tube that connects the sex gland to the ducts that remove the seed. Often, the disease occurs due to an infection of bacterial origin.
Symptoms of epididymitis are manifested in the form of sharp pain in the testicle, elevated body temperature (up to 40 º), hyperemia, swelling of the scrotum. With the disease, an effusion is formed in the affected area or a simultaneous damage to the
sex gland and its appendage. For this reason, contouring in the cavity of the scrotum cannot be felt. Pain sensations with epididymitis can spread both in the groin and in the perineum, sometimes even in the lower back and sacrum, while intensifying at the time of movement.
In the chronic form of the disease during palpation of the epididymis , its compaction is detected, occasionally an increase in volume, its clear, delimited position in relation to the genital gland, painful sensations. So acute epididymitis manifests itself in the final stage. Symptoms are absent, there is only a feeling of discomfort in the scrotum during periods of exacerbation of the disease. During this period, the ability of sperm to fertilize is reduced, and infertility may ensue.
Symptoms of epididymitis can also occur in the form of enlarged lymph nodes in the inguinal region, discharge from the penis. In this case, the spermatic cord thickens, and the duct that removes spermatozoa increases in diameter.
In the event of swelling and redness on one side of the scrotum, it is necessary to consult a doctor, since such manifestations can cause epididymitis. Diagnosis of the disease occurs in the following way:
1. History is being collected. It also includes information about the patient’s sexual life.
2. A laboratory test of urine analysis is performed. In this case, the presence of diseases transmitted through sexual contact and infections that are available in the urethra are detected. Also, by analyzing urine and culture, the sensitivity of microorganisms is determined and inflammation of the bladder is diagnosed.
3. An examination of the prostate. For this, a
smear from the urethra is taken to detect the presence of bacteria in it.
4. A blood test is performed (general). In this case, a high white blood cell count may indicate the presence of an infectious infection.
5. Doppler ultrasound is performed and the affected testicle is scanned. These methods help to distinguish the symptoms of epididymitis from the signs of other diseases similar in manifestation (hernia, dropsy, cysts).
6. Testing for the detection of gonorrhea and chlamydia.
Using all of these techniques in combination is necessary to prevent the development of complications in the event of an incorrect diagnosis.
Often infections that affect the appendages of the gonads in a man are transmitted through anal sex with same-sex contact. Even if symptoms of epididymitis occur in one sexual partner, both should be examined.